What to Expect from Online Singing Lessons

A cosy, flexible and neuro-affirming space to find your voice

If you're wondering what to expect from an online singing lesson, what you'll need, or whether lessons can work around the way you learn and communicate, this guide is here to help.

It's written with neurodivergent and disabled singers in mind, but there's plenty here that may be useful to anyone considering lessons.

A little note before you get started

Hi, and a very warm welcome!

If you're thinking about starting singing lessons, or getting ready for your first session with me, I want you to know right from the start that you are welcome here exactly as you are.

I am passionate about neuro-affirming teaching and accessibility, and I know that traditional, one-size-fits-all music education can sometimes feel rigid, overwhelming or inaccessible.

I'm also a certified AuDHD coach, trained by Leanne Maskell at ADHD Works, which informs my approach to supporting neurodivergent learners.

Neurodivergence isn't something that needs fixing or masking. It's a natural variation in the way people's brains work, and my teaching is designed to make room for different ways of learning, communicating and experiencing music.

I also work with disabled and chronically ill singers, including those with fluctuating energy or physical capacity. Your needs might relate to sensory processing, communication, movement, fatigue, concentration, or the way you experience your body, sounds and instructions.

Everyone's access needs are different. That's why I've included lots of different options and ideas throughout this guide. I've tried to think about a wide range of different needs, but I don't expect all of them to apply to you.

Take what is useful and leave the rest.

If you already know what helps you learn, communicate or participate, you're very welcome to tell me. You don't need to provide a long explanation or justify your needs.

My role is to teach, guide and collaborate with you. Together, we'll find practical ways for you to take part in singing lessons that work with your needs, while keeping the focus on learning, singing and making music.

Get cosy and make the space yours

There are no rules saying that you have to stand or sit in a particular way. You might prefer to sit in your favourite armchair, stand, recline, pace around the room or change position throughout the lesson.

Choose whatever position allows you to breathe and sing comfortably.

You might also prefer headphones, softer lighting, a quiet room. If a fidget toy helps you concentrate, feel free to have one nearby.

Have some water within reach, and if possible choose a time and place where you won't be unexpectedly disturbed.

Your home doesn't need to be perfectly quiet, tidy or predictable. Real life is allowed here.


Why online?

Being in your own space means you can have much more control over your environment.

You don't have to travel to an unfamiliar studio or use energy getting somewhere before you've even started singing. You can choose where you sit, what you wear, how much movement you need, what lighting you prefer and what sensory supports you have nearby.

For many disabled and neurodivergent singers, that extra control can make a real difference.

Things you might want to have to hand

You don't need any special singing equipment for your lesson.

You might find these useful:

  • 💧 Water

  • 🎧 Headphones

  • 📱 A phone or second device for playing music or backing tracks

  • 🌀 A fidget toy or other sensory support

  • 📝 A notebook, if you like taking notes

  • 🎤 Your microphone, if you use one

  • 🎸 Your instrument, if you'd like to accompany yourself

  • 🎵 One or two songs you'd like to work on

  • 📄 Printed song lyrics, if you have access to a printer

You don't need all of these. Just have whatever is useful for you.

A quick note about tech

Lessons take place on Google Meet, and you can join through your browser using the link you'll receive when you book.

A good, strong internet connection will make the session run more smoothly.

Please use two devices if you can:

  • One device for the lesson - usually a laptop or tablet for Google Meet

  • One device for your music - usually a phone for songs or backing tracks

If you can, turn off noise-cancellation settings on your device or headphones before the lesson, as these can sometimes interfere with how clearly I hear your voice. If you're unsure how to change this, I can talk you through it.

Now for the fun bit… choosing a song

Before you meet with me, have a think about a song -or two, or three! - that you know fairly well and genuinely enjoy.

It doesn't need to be the perfect choice. You don't need to know all the lyrics, and it certainly doesn't need to be something you can already sing well.

A useful question is:

“If I had to choose a karaoke song right now, what would I pick?”

If nothing springs to mind, don't worry. I can help you find songs that suit your voice, taste and goals during the lesson.

If you'd like to work on your own original material, have your backing track, rough recording or instrument ready if you can.

What actually happens in a lesson?

It's completely understandable to feel unsure about an unfamiliar situation, particularly if you've had difficult or inaccessible experiences with education in the past.

Here's what a typical lesson might look like:

1. You join the call

You'll receive a Google Meet link when you book. Click the link and you'll find me there waiting for you, probably sitting at my desk wearing my headset.

2. We have a chat

We'll usually start with a conversation about what you'd like to get out of singing lessons.

You don't need to arrive with a perfectly defined goal. Maybe you want to improve your technique, work on particular songs, prepare for a performance, develop your confidence, or simply have fun singing.

3. Gentle warm-ups

We'll ease into some accessible vocal exercises.

This might include breathing, humming, sirens or other exercises depending on what we're working on.

4. Exploring songs your way

When you're ready, you'll have a go at singing your chosen song.

If singing with full lyrics feels difficult or overwhelming at first, you're welcome to hum or vocalise instead. You can also sing along with the original artist while you become familiar with the melody.

5. Working on your voice

The lesson might focus on things such as pitch, breathing, vocal technique, musicality, phrasing, performance or a particular challenge you're experiencing in your singing.

The content will depend on your experience, interests and goals.

A note about flexibility

Accessibility is important to me, and I want lessons to be flexible enough to work for different learners.

I'll adapt my teaching approach where I reasonably can. If something is affecting your ability to participate, just let me know and we'll look for a practical way forward.

You stay in charge of your learning

You won't be pushed into exercises, songs or goals you're not ready for. I can offer suggestions and challenges, and you can decide what feels manageable.

If something isn't working, tell me and I'll adapt where I reasonably can. When you're ready to stretch yourself, we'll take small, manageable steps beyond your comfort zone, at a pace that works for you.

You don't have to fit into one particular way of learning

You don't have to stand perfectly still.

You don't have to make eye contact.

You don't have to keep your camera on.

You don't have to learn in exactly the same way as another student.

You don't have to know exactly what you want to achieve before you start.

And you certainly don't have to already be a brilliant singer.

My job is to teach you, help you understand your voice and give you useful tools to develop your singing. If something doesn't make sense to you, I can explain it in a different way.

Ready to get started?

Hopefully this guide has given you a clearer idea of what an online singing lesson with me looks like.

Choose a song you enjoy, get yourself comfortable, have some water nearby, and come as you are.

If there's an access need or practical consideration that would affect your lesson, you're welcome to let me know when you book or before we meet.

Otherwise, there's nothing else you need to do.

I'm looking forward to meeting you and making some music together.

Have a question that isn't answered here, or want to book in?

Email me at info@singwithhannah.com.